Manchester City youngster Taylor Harwood-Bellis is set for a loan move to Anderlecht after completing a medical [Sport Witness via Het Laatste Nieuws].

The Lowdown: City build towards 2021-22 pre season

Moving into 2021/22, the Citizens will be desperate to retain their Premier League crown following a glittering campaign last term.

Moving to secure top priority targets will be the main story of the transfer window of course, but granting young stars the opportunity to soak up first-team experience will work wonders for Pep Guardiola’s side in the long-term.

Could they be ready to enact this train of thought with the 19-year-old centre-back?

The Latest: Harwood-Bellis move in 'final phase', will play for Anderlecht next campaign

Harwood-Bellis is apparently in the ‘final phase’ of formalising a loan move to Belgian giants Anderlecht [Sport Witness].

There is no option-to-buy in the deal, whilst the purpose of the move is to ‘gain experience’ under the guise of Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany, who occupies the Lotto Park dugout [Sport Witness].

Previously, three unnamed Premier League clubs were said to be monitoring his situation, whilst newly-promoted Brentford were also credited with an interest in his services [City Xtra].

The Verdict: Loan deal makes perfect sense for both parties

This move makes perfect sense for both parties. The Blues have sent the stopper into a senior environment where he will offer an important contribution, as well as being faced with the pressure of challenging for domestic titles and cups.

This is not Harwood-Bellis’ first temporary stint away from the club, as he featured 19 times for Blackburn Rovers in the 2020/21 season on loan at Ewood Park [Transfermarkt].

Rovers were also keen on bringing the Stockport-born defender back to Lancashire due to his impressive performances [Lancashire Live].

Once labelled as ‘exceptional’ by his coach Guardiola, he has a bright future ahead of him with the English giants [BeSoccer]. For now though, regular first-string football is the correct way to harness his considerable potential.

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